Pacific journalists are being urged to “listen to understand” when reporting on loss and damage caused by climate change. The message comes out of a recent 3-day media workshop hosted in Samoa by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

The workshop brought together nearly 20 reporters from across the Pacific, with the goal of strengthening climate reporting in the region—particularly around the complex and growing issue of loss and damage. This includes the destruction of cultural heritage, agricultural systems, and entire livelihoods due to rising sea levels and extreme weather events linked to climate change.

While loss and damage is now a critical global agenda item, understanding of the concept at the grassroots level remains limited. Organisers believe journalists have a crucial role to play in bridging that gap.

Media as a Link Between Communities and the World

SPREP’s Communications and Public Relations Officer, Sosikeni Lesa—a former news editor in Samoa—highlighted the importance of deep listening in interviews.

“Sometimes you listen just to fire off a question—but you’re not listening to understand,” she said.
“As the media, you are the eyes and ears of the public. If you can’t answer what, when, where, why, and how—you fail.”

One of the workshop’s key sessions focused on practical interview techniques to sharpen participants’ skills. These are expected to help journalists return to their home countries and report effectively on how climate loss and damage is impacting their communities.

Amplifying Pacific Voices on the Global Stage

By building the capacity of frontline reporters, the workshop aims to ensure stories from vulnerable Pacific communities reach international forums. Organisers hope this will strengthen the region’s voice in ongoing global climate negotiations.